02/10/2025
In the midst of the Great Depression, photographer Myron E. Scott stumbled upon a group of boys racing homemade, engineless cars down a hill. Inspired by the sight, Scott proposed the idea of holding a race and capturing the event for the Dayton Daily News. The first race took place on August 19, 1933, with 19 participants. However, the following year, the race exploded in popularity, attracting 362 racers and an estimated 40,000 spectators. This large-scale event was a huge success, and a film of the race was shown in theaters across the nation, catching the attention of other newspapers eager to host their own races.
By 1934, the event had grown into the "All-American Soap Box Derby," sponsored by Chevrolet and leading newspapers in 34 cities. On August 19, 1934, the national championship was held in Dayton, where Robert Turner, an 11-year-old from Muncie, Indiana, won the prestigious title. The event had gained national recognition, and Scott’s original idea of a local race had turned into a celebrated national competition.
In 1935, the race moved to Akron, Ohio, where it remains a tradition to this day. Scott was able to witness the event's success and the lasting impact it had on American culture before his passing, cementing his legacy as the creator of a beloved tradition.